Why Lent - A Conversation With After IV Podcast...
Lent can be a confusing season. For some of us Ash Wednesday, and the season of Lent, conjures images of guilt and sadness. For others, Lent feels mysterious season. We get that it’s a time to focus on spiritual practices but aren’t sure why.
Recently, I sat down with Jon Steele, from the After IV podcast to discuss the season of Lent. Here is a brief outline of our conversation. Listen to the conversation on Tuesday, March 1st at any of these podcast locations.
Jon: Very generally, what is Lent?
Jason: Lent is the 40-day period the church celebrates between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It is traditionally a time of fasting and almsgiving, though in modern times and in various Christian traditions, Lent has taken on additional spiritual disciplines like bible study, or devotional readings, and a variety of prayer practices.
Jon: What are its origins?
Jason: We know that Lent began to be celebrated in a more formal way around the year 325. That is a significant year in church history because it’s the same year that the council of Nicea, which gave us the articulation of the doctrine of the trinity still in use today in most Western churches.
There is some evidence that Lent was celebrated earlier than 325, but it’s only after 325 that we see the celebrations of Lent more formalized.
In the ancient church, Lent was a period of preparation for baptism, where converts to the faith would learn the essentials of Christian faith and practice and prepare for full participation in the community of faith when they were baptized on Easter Sunday.
Jon: What purpose does Ash Wednesday serve?
Jason: Ash Wednesday is the kick-off to Lent. In the ancient world it was not uncommon to mark oneself with ashes to show that one was in mourning or fasting. Since Lent is largely associated with fasting, the service of Ash Wednesday became a chance for the community to mark that they were entering into the season of Lent together.
For modern people Ash Wednesday can be a really powerful reminder of important themes we don’t always talk about in church. For example, over the last 30 years there’s been a strong movement within some churches towards the positive, therapeutic, and uplifting parts of our faith. We talk about being our best selves, living our best lives, overcoming adversity, revival, all this kind of stuff… which is good… but on Ash Wednesday, someone will mark an ashen cross on your forehead and say, “remember you are dust and to dust you shall return…”.
Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality, invites us to humility, and nudges us towards a way of following Jesus that forces us to leave behind the treasures and trinkets that distract us from full discipleship.
Jon: Why should someone consider engaging with Lent?
Jason: Anyone who has at least one disordered attachment, that is one thing that you love maybe a little too much; sleeping in, Chick Fil A, the good opinion of other people, success, money, status, sexual desire, whatever it is that keeps you from the freedom to follow Jesus unreservedly, should consider keeping Lent this year.
One leader described Lent this way… Lent is spring cleaning for the soul. It declutters our hearts and helps us move toward Jesus is greater freedom.
Jon: What are some rhythms or practices to help us practice Lent?
Jason: To keep Lent, you might try some simple fasting. The trick with fasting is not to try too much too soon. Try fasting screen time, meals out, spending, snacks… and (most importantly) using the time / energy you would spend on those things to pay attention to God.
You might try setting aside 10 minutes a day to reflect on the questions; 1. Where in my day was I aware of God, goodness, joy, and serving others? 2. Where in my day was I least aware of God, most wrapped up in myself, most anxious, angry, or lonely?
Or you might try almsgiving. This is a simple practice of setting aside a certain amount of money and look for opportunities to give it away (anonymously) to people in need. The goal here isn’t “impact,” or “strategic stewardship” but prodigal generosity just because God is generous.
Whether you celebrate Lent or not I pray that you grow in life with God.